It is a proud moment for the entire family today. Anxious and eager to see our great aunt, spirited and smiling with joy. It was her, a girl who just reach her teens and decided to lead a religious life.  Leaving behind the materialistic world, she bid goodbye to her family, who were pretty shocked at her decision. 50 long years have passed since the day she took her vows as a faithful Nun. Today, she celebrates her Golden Jubilee, with  honour we all look at her with deep respect. As the entire family of sisters, priests and new formees gathered to join the celebration, there were several things to notice. The event was pre-planned in perfect order. Each Sister had their own talent, some performed a dance on a classical soundtrack, a sister was in charge of the music and  lighting, another photographed the event, while another led the event by being the compare for the afternoon. They had created a little world of their own. Everything was in great harmony as we celebrated together.

Setting an example for generations to come, she got me into deep thoughts. How difficult it was for her to remain aloof from her family? The hardships and struggles she faces goes unheard. How tough it was for her to lead a Nuns life? What were the endless sacrifices she made? It was her choice, a very tough choice to make. Just as the words go by:

" If you wish to be my disciple,

Take up your cross and follow me.

Whoever loves his life, will only loose it

It’s only sacrifice that brings one gain.

You who have followed me, when life is ended

Will reap a hundred fold eternally."

It is God who leads us, something we were born to do, something we were created for. To serve, to spread the word, to teach, to learn, to set a good example.

A few days back, my cousins came to visit us at home. Not as tiny as they were some years ago, still they are less than half my age. We got together and started chatting as I kept asking them questions about school and life. To add a little fun we started playing the game, "guess the word". It was so engaging that we continued to play till 12 am.  So much to the fact that not even for a second I was tempted to check Facebook or Whatsapp. The room was filled with endless laughter as we kept poking fun at each other. It was really great to play a game after a very long time. The answers during the game were thoughtful and quick. It actually got me thinking about the mindset of kids. 

One thing I realized is that age doesn't matter. A child of 6 yrs can share the same likes and dislikes of a normal grown-up. I mean, to think of it, how many of us have really changed since childhood? We were just taught how to act like a grown-up. Our parents and teachers became our role models. In fact, many of us learnt to imitate during our growing up days. As time goes by, we just get a little maturity to deal with things. But, at the end of the day we all have that inner child inside us.  

A wise man once said, " Child is the father of Man". It is true that Children can teach you a lot- the easy way. Going through a complex situation in life? Try asking a child for advice.  Look how they bring back that smile with their easy and simple ideas with a dash of humour. Don't be surprised if they manage to outwit you. The statistics will blow your mind as the number of young achievers around the globe is increasing. While most of us idle away our time thinking about the future, these little kids are working hard to make the most at a young age. The entire scenario is so amusing that it will get you thinking. 

The point is never take these little ones for granted. You may never know whats going on in their tiny minds. They may have a broader perspective to life than you. They teach us how to grumble less and laugh more. It is their carefree attitude is what makes them what they are. Forgive and forget. Think less and do more. Take chances. Move on in life. Fear less and dream more as "Today is the oldest you've ever been and the youngest you will ever be".

Just two days left for the most awaited elections in Mumbai. I am sure you are bombarded with advertisements, each political party enticing you to vote for them. Suddenly they turn extra sweet and helpful to everyone around. At the time of elections even demons turn to angels. Inspirational speeches are given everywhere. The media is on a constant lookout to find interesting news about them. Their every word, every action is continuously monitored at this point of time. Sting operations and details about their private lives go viral through digital mediums. This time political parties have taken it to another level to grab votes, literally purchasing you indirectly. Free mobile recharges, online campaigns, gift vouchers, student scholarships, free food and to top it all, a pre-recorded phone call from the leader himself. Spending huge amounts is no big deal for them. Perhaps, if we stopped to think where all the money came from? 

          While many have made their decision already, there are several who are still stuck in the thinking phase. Last moment decisions can have a bad impact on the Nation. 

Voting doesn't matter to you at all as you find everyone corrupt? So you'd rather choose NOTA (None of the above)? By you selecting NOTA, its not going to help as you wont be contributing much to the actual elections anyway. Think about it this way: Suppose there are 7 people and 3 votes go to a corrupt party, while another 3 go to a good politician. It is your last vote that will make the final decision. At this situation if you opt for NOTA, it will definitely result in a bad outcome. Each vote counts so please do not waste your precious vote.

Well, I want to vote but have no idea about whats going on in India? Politics is not your interest at all? Well, now is the time to think like a responsible citizen. Its time to do your research and make a decision. Please do vote even if you feel someone has the slightest chance of changing India. Rather vote for someone than not voting at all. 

I’m pretty much sure you are hooked on to the Candy crush Saga. If not, it’s still not easy to escape the requests on Facebook. Whether you accept it or not, you got curious about the game and wondered why so many people around you are playing it. Either you downloaded it and deleted it later after endless tries. Or perhaps, you are still addicted to it! One thing is sure, the games you play speaks a lot about your personality and traits. Here are a few qualities that every hard-core candy crush player unknowingly incorporates.

Determination- Even after several attempts of losing, you still keep on trying till you complete the level.  Yes, it does get frustrating at times. We've all been in that situation of losing it to just one last move. However, no matter what, you are extremely determined to win. Keep it up!

Patience- If you don’t have the patience, Candy Crush is definitely not your type of game. Each level gets tougher and really difficult to crack. But, your patience is what keeps you going.  Keeping yourself calm and composed all the time. Also, patiently waiting for lives is not at all easy. You are awesome!

Hope- Each time you play a level, you have this little hope of completing it. Sometimes it’s your luck and sometimes it’s your calculated moves that make you win. But, each time, there is no doubt that we all keep hoping that we complete the game.  Yes, it is hope that is important in real life too!

Never give up- Failure is the stepping stone to success. Just because you didn't win the level on the first try, that doesn't mean you won’t win.  You keep trying and trying till you finally succeed. You’re not the kind of person who will give up so easily. That’s really great!

Logical thinking capability- It is true that Candy crush brushes up on your logical thinking capability. You are given a fixed set of moves and need to complete really hard levels. Candy Crush is not at all everyone's cup of tea. If your managing it well, it means your logical thinking capability is quite high. Keep it up! 

Staying Focused- You definitely know what it takes to stay focused. Crossing all the 400+ levels is what you are focused on. You know your goals and will do anything to achieve it. Wow!

Kudos to all Candy Crush lovers! It's not just a game, its more than that. Only, if we inculcate all these qualities in real life. Can never know, maybe we really do! :D

It is true that almost everyone has an account on social networking sites like Facebook and twitter. Chatting for hours and checking the latest buzz on their walls. Expressing themselves and sharing posts that are of high interest. Looking out for online friends and keeping in touch. What's App and Bmm made it connecting to the world  much easier. You can chat whenever you want. Just type your message and it will reach a person who's on the other end of the earth.  Just in a matter of few seconds your message is conveyed. What seemed just a dream some years back is now a reality. This is just the beginning and there is so much more to come. Crazy world it is.

Lifestyle has changed for sure. But, What about personal lives. It is true that our personal lives are invaded. Every single online history is being tracked. Our every action is being monitored and recorded. Even the Google search on our screens are narrowed down on basis of your previous search records. Every app you download pulls in your location and other details into their database. The scariest part is that we have absolutely no control. The virtual world is definitely taking control over our lives. There are online stalkers everywhere. Your profile, last seen, being online, everything is on display for the world to see.

This global change has got us thinking. Yes, we need to think harder this time and find ways that would sort this issue. Hopefully, a base should be created within the virtual world, that would give us more privacy and security into our personal lives.

Idea cellular, an Indian mobile network brand, continues to connect with its audience by its out-of-the-box advertisements that hit right to the point. The ads are targeted at the Aam Janta which includes 70% of India's population. Right from the beginning the brand has stuck to its slogan " An Idea can change your life". These ads are simple to understand with concepts that make you think again. Who can forget the language barrier ad that touched the hearts of many. Abhishek Bachchan plays  a mute chai-wala who gives a group of people an idea as they are worried about not being able to speak the language of the city they are visiting . They are now able to communicate in a different language by the help of their friends over the phone. The ad ended with the slogan "Bolne ke liye kisi bhasha ki jarurat nahi hoti". Over the years Idea has managed to engage the audience with its ads that have this strong emotional element and the feeling of staying connected.

       Idea's latest "No ullu banaving" campaign gives India a simple message that no one can be made a fool anymore. With the latest technology and beaming internet we can acquire lots of information that would prove beneficial in our daily lives. Deep thinking and some serious research has been done to target the minds of the audience. Keeping the cynical remarks aside, it is sure success for them as we've heard a 3yr old to a 80yr old, all seem to be acknowledging most of these ads.

Warm breeze started to spread around every corner of the lane. A sudden drastic change in the climate from being cold to incredibly hot. She sat inside a matchbox, gazing through the tiny window. She knew there was life outside the four corners of the house. It took her back to the days when she would walk down the same street. She could feel the joy of meeting her close friends, the joy of finally reaching home after work, the joy of being able to walk freely. Those were the times she could do anything she wanted. There was no one to stop her. But now, illness took a toll over her life. She was now trapped within a small room, that was her life. Longing for someone of her own to come and meet her. Eager for someone to bring her favourite dish even though it was forbidden. Hoping that today her kids would surprise her with something special. Everyone was trapped in their own worlds. No one knew or perhaps, they all forgot. Days passed and years too. A lot of things changed. 
               Grateful, yet with eyes of sympathy. Tears began to fall for all the things undone. It was too late. Now she lay beneath a bed of flowers as everyone she knew gather around.